Malibu Boats Australia targeted in ransomware incident
Malibu Boats Australia, a manufacturer and seller of watersports towboats, has reportedly been listed as the target of a ransomware incident by the Qilin group, a Russian-speaking ransomware gang.
The company, which has operated in Australia for around three decades and forms part of the wider Malibu Boats organisation founded in California in 1982, was named on the Qilin group’s dark web leak site on 29 October 2025, according to a report published by CyberDaily.au.
Qilin claims to have taken 160 gigabytes of data, said to include 148,538 files. Although the group stated the material had been made accessible online, CyberDaily.au reports that attempts to reach it via the link provided were unsuccessful, and no samples or evidence have been publicly released. The contents and sensitivity of the alleged data, or whether it originated solely from Australian operations, have not been verified.
Malibu Boats holds a substantial portion of the global towboat market. The firm’s Australian arm manufactures and distributes vessels for activities such as wakeboarding and similar watersports, working with dealers across the country.
Qilin operates a ransomware-as-a-service model, providing tools to affiliated actors. Since first being observed in August 2022, the group has claimed responsibility for nearly 700 incidents internationally, including the Wyong Rugby League Club in Australia earlier this year. The group was also linked to a ransomware attack on hospitals in London in 2024.
Malibu Boats Australia has been approached for comment regarding the ransomware claims, but has not yet issued a response.
Malibu releases Q1 2026 results
News of the attack comes days after Malibu Boats posted net sales of $194.7m for the first quarter of 2026, up 13.5 per cent from the same period last year, supported by higher unit volumes in the Malibu segment and an increased average selling price.
Gross margin was 14.3 per cent, down 210 basis points year-over-year, reflecting higher per-unit material and labour costs as well as increased dealer incentives. Adjusted EBITDA rose 19.1 per cent to $11.8 million.
“Our first-quarter results modestly exceeded our expectations, underscoring solid execution and operational discipline,” said Bruce Beckman, chief financial officer of Malibu Boats. “We continue to focus on efficiency, cost management, and maintaining balance sheet strength, which provides flexibility to navigate near-term conditions and capture opportunity as the market improves.”
It is not known how the attack will impact the firm’s finances into the next quarter.
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